Is Hepatitis C Sexually Transmitted?

Written by Kimberly Holland
| Published on April 11, 2014Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA
on April 11, 2014

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease caused by the
hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can be passed from person to person. Hepatitis C
has two distinct phases: acute (or short-term) and chronic (long-term). In
about one quarter of the cases, acute hepatitis C often resolves in a few
months, and without major symptoms or issues. However, if the disease becomes
chronic, it can lead to liver damage, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Read on to discover
how the virus is transmitted and what you can do to protect yourself.

How Is Hepatitis C Commonly Transmitted?

As with many infections, the hepatitis C virus lives in
blood and bodily fluids. You can contract hepatitis C by coming into direct
contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids.

Currently, the fastest growing population of newly infected
individuals is intravenous drug users. Sharing needles, syringes, and other
drug paraphernalia spreads HCV. Sharing personal hygiene products such as
toothbrushes and razors with an infected person also can spread the virus.
Healthcare workers who work with people who have hepatitis C can contract the
virus if they’re accidentally stuck with a needle used in an infected person.

The virus can’t be transmitted by sharing a cup or eating
utensils with an infected person. Hugging, holding hands, and kissing also won’t
spread it. You can’t catch the virus from someone with hepatitis C sneezing or
coughing on you. Women who breastfeed won’t pass the virus to their baby, but
babies born to women infected with the virus are more likely to have the virus.

Is Sexual Transmission Common?

Hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
One study found that
the virus is transmitted in one out of every 190,000 instances of sexual
contact. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t contract the virus the very first
time you have sexual intercourse with an infected person.

The risk for contracting HCV through sexual contact
increases for people who:

have multiple sexual partners

have another sexually transmitted infection
(STI)

are HIV-positive

engage in rough sexual intercourse

don’t use barrier protection, such as condoms or
dental dams

don’t use barrier protection properly

Protect Against the Virus During Sexual Contact

A vaccine to protect against HCV currently doesn’t exist.
However, there are ways that you can prevent contracting the virus if you’re
sexually active with a person who has it. Likewise, if you have the virus, you
can avoid infecting others.

A few steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of
transmission include:

using a condom or other barrier device during every
sexual contact, including oral sex

learning to use all barrier devices correctly in
order to prevent ripping or tearing during intercourse

resisting engaging in sexual contact when either
partner has an open cut or wound in their genitals

being tested for STIs, and asking sexual
partners to be tested too

practicing sexual monogamy

being honest with all sexual partners (That is, you
should be open about your status with your partners if you have hepatitis C.)

using extra precautions if you’re HIV-positive (Your
chance of contracting the hepatitis C virus is much higher if you have HIV.)

Get Tested Regularly

You should visit your doctor regularly to have an STI
screening if you’re sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship. Some
viruses and infections, including hepatitis C, may not cause symptoms for
several weeks after exposure. In the time it takes for the virus to be
symptomatic, you may spread it to a sexual partner without knowing it.
Likewise, it’s important that you ask your sexual partners to be tested
regularly. Regular testing helps keep you—and all future sexual partners—safe,
clean, and healthy.

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